pontiff

noun

pon·​tiff ˈpän-təf How to pronounce pontiff (audio)
1
2
: bishop
specifically, often capitalized : pope sense 1

Examples of pontiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
King Charles Writes to Pope Francis amid His Health Worries as Plans for Italy and Vatican Visit Confirmed Speaking with the Italian newspaper, the pope's doctor shared that throughout the medical crisis, the pontiff wanted to make sure the public knew what was going on. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Despite this, the pontiff seemed alert, shaking his head when an aide came over to ask him something. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2025 The pontiff has been in stable condition for the past two weeks, according to the Vatican. Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2025 The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after experiencing bronchitis symptoms. Avery Lotz, Axios, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pontiff

Word History

Etymology

French pontif, from Latin pontific-, pontifex

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of pontiff was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pontiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pontiff. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

pontiff

noun
pon·​tiff ˈpänt-əf How to pronounce pontiff (audio)
: bishop sense 1
especially, often capitalized : pope
pontifical
pän-ˈtif-i-kəl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pontiff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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